Caudata - USA

Frosted Flatwoods Salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum) sitting atop what could be an optimal site for egg deposition. This weekend, I spent some time learning about this species of vulnerable (IUCN 2008) ambystomid from expert, Pierson Hill﻿. Listening to and reading about this secretive salamander's history and current conservation status was great, but did not prepare me for seeing firsthand just how intimate of a relationship this caudate has with its habitat. While already protected, if the little remaining habitat is not properly managed, we may see this beautiful salamander disappear within in our lifetime. All it takes is a bit of initiative mixed with a bit of pine flatwoods fire to get the ball rolling.
September 2013